Premier League Team of the Week: December 9-10

An eventful weekend in the Premier League was rounded off on Sunday with three of the most exciting games of this season so far.

There was controversy at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester United’s celebrations following a last-gasp winner saw Rio Ferdinand struck and cut by an object thrown from the Manchester City fans.

It was a shame such an unsavoury incident had to be mentioned in light of what was an absolutely terrific football match.

Liverpool proved they could win without star man Luis Suarez in a stiff assessment of their credentials at West Ham United, where an unfortunate own goal gave them only their second away win of the season.

Meanwhile, two injury time strikes at Goodison Park saw Everton leapfrog opponents Tottenham Hotspur for the lead and fourth place.

Arsenal were back to winning ways against West Brom, who appear to be coming back down to earth following a blistering start to the season.

Rafael Benitez tasted success in the league for the first time as Chelsea manager, somehow getting Fernando Torres to score twice in the process.

With such quality all over, it was no easy task for GMF to pick the Team of the Week but we did it with gusto and believe the right choices have been made.

GK – David de Gea, Manchester United

The Spaniard has received justified criticisms since joining United, but he was unfortunate concede two here. He made a fantastic double save before the first City goal, could do nothing about the second and made a few fantastic stops as the Premier League champions pushed for a winner.

RB – Glen Johnson, Liverpool

Back at his former club West Ham, Johnson made a blistering start to the game with an outstanding strike into the top corner from 25 yards out. He was also a constant problem to the home defence at Upton Park, while keeping matt Jarvis quiet for much of the game.

LB – Ashley Cole, Chelsea

Chelsea romped it in the first half, but Sunderland were constantly pressurising in the second period and Cole kept their right side quiet for most of the afternoon. Such effortless assurance makes one wonder why Chelsea are considering letting him go.

CB – Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal

The Gunners skipper has struggled for consistency so far this season but was faultless against the speedy Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie, before dealing with the physicality of late substitute Roemlu Lukaku soundly. Him coming into form is a good sign for Arsene Wenger.

CB – Per Mertesacker, Arsenal

When you see the German play so resolutely alongside his skipper against a team that have troubled some of the best teams in the league before then, it is baffling as to why they have so many problems before now. Both are easy on the ball and build play well from the back and should be one of the most solid centre-back pairings in the league.

MF – Jason Puncheon, Southampton

The 26-year-old has come through a falling out with Saints owner Nicola Cortese to start showing what he can do in the Premier League this season. A much improved performance last week was followed up with a man-of-the-match one against Reading. He ran the Royals defence ragged and scored a brilliant winning goal.

MF – Jack Wilshere, Arsenal

Wilshere’s name should this week have Cazorla and Arteta attached to it as the centre-midfield trio were magnificent against West Brom. Gunners fans will be enthused by what appears to be a classy unit forming in the centre for them. Wilshere was the pick of the bunch though; neat passing, driving forward and getting stuck in. England will be getting excited again.

MF – Michu, Swansea City

The Spaniard may well have been on the losing side to an in-form Norwich City, but the classy midfielder was brilliant, again, in getting a second successive brace. His positioning in the opposition half facilitates such dangerous attacks by the Swans and his timing getting into the box is exquisite. Shall GMF be the 1,456,755th to be amazed at him only costing £2million?

FW – Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

The England star became the youngest player to reach 150 Premier League goals with his brace against Manchester City, as well as becoming the derby’s top scorer. Two devastating counter-attacks were finished clinically by a player getting back in the swing after a brief blip in form.

FW – Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

Roberto Mancini’s side were so close to turning round a two-goal deficit in the derby and the second half introduction of Tevez made it happen. He was a huge difference to the game, playing a major part in both of the home side’s goals. This must be the last time Mancini drops him.

FW – Fernando Torres, Chelsea

Whatever you think of a striker, there is something nice about seeing a goal merchant rediscover his scoring form after a barren run. Torres’ drought has been extreme but his instincts in the box were returning against Sunderland, where his brace would have been a hat-trick but for the crossbar.

What do you think of GMF’s Premier League Team of the Week? Leave a comment below to let us know…

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